Washing machine



Oct. 22, 1940. AR 2,218,698-

WASHING MACHINE Filed Aug. 9. 1957 s Sheets-Sheet i INVENTOR. KENDHLLCLfi/r/r ATTORNEYS Get. 22, 1940. K. CLARK WASHING- MACHINE I Filed Aug.9. 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 A 'F'TORNEYS.

own, 1940. K RK 2,218,698

WASHING IIAGHINE Filed Aug. 9. 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. KEMGHLLCLERK ATTORNEYS Patented Oct.22, 1940 1 UNITED STATES WASHING MACHINE vKendall Clark, South Bend, 1nd,, assignor to Bendix Home Appliances,Inc., corporation of Delaware Detroit, Mich, a

Application August 9, 1937, Serial No. 158,027

11 Claims.

This invention relates to washing machines and the like,.and isillustrated as embodied in an automatic machine driven through apredetermined cycle to wash and dry a load of clothes or othermaterials.

In machines of this character, and especially those in domestic use, noway has yet been found to predetermine the amount of soap and likematerials which must be added to the water. This is because the amountof such materials required varies a great deal with the hardness andother chemical characteristics of the water, and is affected to someextent by the character and size of the load of clothes to be washed. Ithas been customary therefore, especially in domestic machines, to varythe amount of soap materials by adding them slowly to the solution whiledirectly observing the formation of the suds in the solution.

It is an object of the present invention to control the addition of suchsoap materials automatically in accordance with a direct measurement ofa characteristic or condition of the solution, as for example inaccordance with the changes produced in the solution when an adequatesuds is formed. The change most readily taken advantage of for thispurpose is in the light-reflecting or diffusing quality of the suds.Thus a light may be directed into the tub above the level when the sudsformed on the surface of the water rises up to the level of the lightbeam the solution of sudsiwill reflect or diffuse a large part of thelight directed into it.

Accordingly, in my preferred arrangement I utilize the reflected ordiffused light as a measure of the suds formation, exposing to thatlight a light-sensitive cell which controls a circuit which shutsofl thesupply of soap material. Preferably the arrangement is used in a machinedriven automatically under the control of a cyclic switch, and thecyclic switch is provided with a contact for initiating the supply ofsoap materials at the beginning of the cycle.

In the illustratedarrangement this contact of the cyclic switch is inseries with a switch controlled by the light-sensitive cell, and remainsclosed only for a short period at the beginning of the cycle, so thatthroughout the remainder ofthe cycle-the soap-supplying means isrendered inoperative by the cyclic switch regardless of the lightaffecting the cell.

The above and other objects of the invention, including various novelcombinations and desirable particularconstructions, will be apparentfrom the following description of the illustrative embodiments shown inthe accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a rather diagrammatic view of an automatic washing machine,partly in vertical of the water and.

section and partly in front elevation, with soap materials supplied byan electric pump; v Figure 2 is a partial vertical section through theclothes door of the machine, showing the arrangement of thelight-sensitive means;

Figure 3 is a wiring diagram of the machine;

Figure 4 is a view corresponding to Figure 1, but having the soapmaterial supplied by gravity under the control of an eIectric valve;

Figure 5 is a wiring diagram of. the machine of Figure 4;

Figures 6 and '7 are views of a modification in which a feederparticularly adapted to dry powdered soap material is employed, the twoviews showing the feederin two positions; and

Figure 8 is a wiring. diagram of the machine of Figures 6 and 7.

The machine illustrated includes a horizontal cylindrical tub 10 havingat its front end an opening 'for the introduction of clothes, and whichis supported in a suitable cabinet l2. Within the tub I0 is rotatablymounted a perforated clothes cylinder or drum l4, driven through atwo-speed transmission by a motor l6 (Figure 3) The transmission iscontrolled, as to its speed,

' by a solenoid l8, the drum l4 being driven at low speed for washingand at high speed for extracting and drying.

The hot and cold water is supplied to the tub of .the machine under thecontrol of valves operated by solenoids 20 and 22, a thermostatic switch24 being in series with one of these solenoids (e; g. the onecontrolling the cold water) to limit the temperature of the water in themachine. A-float-controlled switch 26 is arranged in series with allthree solenoids 20, 22, and I8, to cut off the water supply when the tubis filled to a predetermined level, and to prevent shifting thetransmission into high when the tub contains water. There is also adrain having a valve controlled bya solenoid 28.

The above-described solenoids I8, 20, 22, and 28 are all arranged incircuits across the power lines 3032, under the control of a cyclictimer switch which controlsthe machine automatically. This switchincludes a shaft 34 having four cams 36 actuating spring contacts orswitches 38 to cause them to engage or disengage a contact bar 40connected'to the line 30. The four contacts control the circuits to theline 32 through the four solenoids. v l The shaft 34 has a handle 42, bywhich it can be advanced manually to initiate the cycle of the machineby causing a cam 44 to close a contact 46 and hold it closed until thecompletion of the cycle of the machine. The contact 46 controls acircuit through the motor l6 and also a parallel circuit through a smallconstant-speed motor 48 which drives the shaft 34 through suitablereduction gearing 50 and a ratchet 52.

The machine illustrated, as so far described, is more fully describedand is claimed in Patent Number 2,165,884, issued to Rex Earl Bassett,an, and John W. Chamberlin, and in Patent Number 2,173,603, issued toAdiel Y. Dodge.

According to the present invention the glased hinged clothes door I ofthe machine has arranged in front thereof, behind a metal cover orscreen II, an incandescent lamp or other source of light II and alight-sensitive photo-cell I, each of which is provided with a reflectorI. The axes of the two reflectors 88 are arranged to intersect and formequal angles with the plane of the inner surface of the glass II. Thusthe light fromlampllwillbedirectedintothetubofthe machine, and will bereflected out into the light sensitive cell when the suds rise up to thepoint where the light from the lamp passes through the glass. Althoughthe above-described arrangement of reflectors is preferred, an opaquewall separating the light sensitive cell from the direct rays of thelight may be substituted therefor and suiflcient light will be diffusedaround the wall by the suds to affect the cell. The lamp II can beincluded in any one of the circuits which is cloud during the first partof the cycle 01th! machine, for example in the circuit of the motor Iprefer inform a hole 84 in the reflector 03 containing the lamp I,through which light may pass to a bullseye lens 85 mounted in the cover68. This provides a visual indication of the proper functioning of thelight.

In the arrangement of Figures 1 and 3 the soap material is in the formof a solution in a reservoir II from which it is forced into the tub itthrough a conduit I2 by a pump II. The pump is shown (Figure 3) asincluding a fitting 1 forming a pump chamber and having the necessaryinwardly and outwardly opening check valves, and into which extends aplunger 18 reciprocated by the cooperative action of a spring II and asolenoid .2. The core I of the solenoid operates a suitable interrupter88 which breaks the circuit every time the pump plunger is depressed bythe solenoid, thereby allowing the spring II to raise it again.

The pump ll, or any equivalent electrically controlled pump, isconnected across the lines 3| and 32 through two switches arranged inseries, and one of which includes a contact '90 engaged, during thebeginning of the cycle of the machine, with the contact bar 40 by a cam92 on the shaft 34. The other switch includes an arm 94 normally held inclosed position by a spring 98 and having an armature adapted to beattracted by an electro-magnet 98. The electro-magnet is included in anauxiliary circuit with a source of current ill and with thelight-sensitive cell or electric eye 02.

Thus when the suds formed in the machine reflects enough light on thecell 2. the switch 84 opens and breaks the circuit through the solenoidI2, regardless of the position of the switch ll. The switch 90 holdsthis circuit open for the major part of the cycle, after the shortinitial period allotted for the formation of the soap solution.

The arrangement of Figures 4 and 5 diifers from that of Figures 1 and 3in that the reservoir I'll for the concentrated solution of soapmaterial is above the water level in the machine, and empties into themachine by gravity through a conduit ll! under the control of a valveIll. The valve I14 is opened by drawing it upwardlyoifaseatinaflttinglllfl'igureb) byenengiaing a solenoid in actingagainst the resistance of a spring Ill, the solenoid being connectedacross the lines 3|, I2 in series with the two switches It. r

In the modiflcation of Figures 8-8 inclusive the reservoir 2'" isadapted to contain powdered soap which descends by gravity into a soapfeeder I'll comprising a transverse e 212 communicating with the tub IIand the bottom of the reservoir, and a plunger I" normally positioned inthe passage "21! to cut off the communication betweenthe reservoir andthe passage. A spring I" acting through a lever fll pivoted on a bracket28! serves to hold the plunger in, or return it to. this normalposition.

A solenoid core 282 secured to the other end of the lever III is adaptedto be attracted by a soienoidcoil Ill to withdraw the plunger againstthe spring iii. A, switch I for controlling the solenoid is provided andarranged e. g. to be engaged by the lever "I to close it when the leveris in normal position and to be engaged by a hook 288 secured to thelever to open it when the lever is in theopposite position.

The solenoid coil 2 and switch I" are connected in series with the lightsensitive cell relay "-88 and the contact ll. With the contact I closedand the relay "-4. closed, the plunger reciprocates under the alternateinfluence of the spring 2" and the solenoid coil 2. and on eachreciprocation a charge of soap descends by gravity into the passage 212and is pushed into the tub Ii. It is to be understood that anyequivalent electrically energized feeder might be employed and yet bewithin the scope of my invention.

In the wiring diagram of Figure 8 I have illustrated the use of a lightsensitive cell 262 capable of being energized by alternating currentsupplied by a transformer Ill connected between the lines 80 and I! inseries with contact 90 and in parallel with the feeder and relay switch.The lamp Cl is similarly connected, so as to be illuminated only duringthe period provided for.

feeding soap.

In operation, the machine is loaded with clothes. the door I is closedand locked, and the handle 42 is turned manually to close the comtactIt, thus energizing the motors I l and 48 and the light I. The machinethen fllls to a predetermined level with water, while soap materialsolution is at the same time being discharged into the water in themachine, and while the rotation of thedrum ll causes the clothes toagitate the water.

Upon the formation of the desirednsuds. the switch N is opened by thephoto-sensitive cell 62. Thereafter the switch 00 is opened, and remainsopen for the balance of the cycle of the machine.

The machine then continues its washing operation for apredeterminedperiod, then drains oi! the wash water, rinses one or more times byinjecting clean water with the drain valve open,

and flnally speeds up to dry the clothes by centrifugal extraction. Themachine then comes to rest with its cycle completed.

I have used the term "soap material herein as a convenient termincludinggenerically all chemical reagents which it is desired to add to thesolution in the machine.

While three illustrative embodiments have been described in detail, itis not my intention to limit the scope of the invention to thoseparticular embodiments, or otherwise than by the terms 4 of the appendedclaims.

I claim:

1. A washing machine comprising a container having means for introducingwater therein, means for introducing soap material into the water toiorm a suds extending above the original water level in the container.means for directing light into the container into said suds, and meansactuated by the reflection oi light from said light directing means fromsuds in said container for cutting of! the introduction of soap materialwhen thesud's formation extends above said original water level.

2. A washing machine having automatic control means and comprising acontainer havingmeans for introducing water therein, means {or washingand drying materials in the machine in a cycle controlled by saidautomatic means, means for introducing soap material into the waterunder the control of the automatic means at the beginning of the cycleto form a suds, means for directing light into the container, and meansactuated by the reflection of light from said lightdirecting means fromsuds in said container for cutting of! the introduction of soap materialregardless of the control of the automatic means.

3. A washing machine comprising means for introducing water, means forintroducing soap material, automatic control means controlling theoperation or the water introducing means and the soap materialintroducing means, causing the machine to operate to agitate the waterand soap material to form a suds above the liquid level, and meanssensitive to said sudsin the machine for suspending the operation of thesoap material introducing means regardless of said automatic controlmeans.

' 4. A washing machine comprising means for introducing liquid and soapmaterial to form a. washing solution in the machine and for agitatingthe solution to form a suds above the liquid level, automatic controlmeans controlling the operation of the soap material introducing means,and means sensitive to said suds for suspending the operation or thesoap material introducing means regardless of said automatic controlmeans.

5. A washing machine comprising meansfor introducing soap material toform a washing solution in the machine and for forming a suds from saidsolution, automatic control means controlling the operation of the soapmaterial introducing means, and means sensitive to the formation of apredetermined level of suds for suspending the operation of the soapmaterial introducing means regardless of the automatic control means.

6. A washing machine having a container for a washing solution, meansfor introducing soap material into said solution and means for agitatingthe solution with the soap material to form. a suds above the liquidlevel in the container, means for directing light into the suds abovethe liquid level of the solution, a light-sensitive cell mounted besidesaid last named means and exposed to light from said directing meansreflected from said solutio a control circuit for the soap-materialintroducing means and a mtch in said control circuit controlled by saidI. A washing machine having a container for a washing solution, meanscooperating with said container to form a suds from the solution. a

' lamp means for source of supply of soap material, means for causingsoap material to be introduced into said container from said source,said last-named means, and a device sensitive to the presence oi'sudsabove the level of the solution in the container to control the controlcircuit for causing the introduction of said soap material to besuspended.

8. A washing machine having a glazed door for the introduction or workand a-container' for a washing solution to act on the work, means forintroducing soap material into said container, a mounted in front orsaid door and having means for directing its light through the doorinto'said solution, a light-sensitive cell in front of said door andacted on by light reflected through the door from said solution, and acontrol circuit for the soap material introducing means having includedtherein and controlled by said cell.

9. In a washing machine having control mecha control circuit for anismand electrically controlled inlet and drain a cyclic motor-driven timerswitch for the valves and motor including cam means for closing one ofsaid two switches for a short period at the beginning or the cycle ofthe machine and then opening it for the remainder of said cycle, thesecond of said two switches normally being closed, and means sensitiveto said suds in said machine and operative'to open said second switchwhen the correct amount of soap material has been introduced.

10. In a washing machine having control mechanism and a container for awashing solution electrically controlled and inlet and drain valves forsaid container, means for supplying soap material to the container toform therein a suds above the liquid circuit therefor including twoswitches in series with each other, -a cyclic motor-driven timer switchfor the valves including cam means for closing one of said two switchesfor a short period at the beginning or the cycle of the machine and thenopening it for the remainder of said cycle, the second of said twoswitches normally being closed, and means sensitive to the level 01' thesuds formedin said machine and operative to open said second switch.

11. In a washing machine having control mechanism and a container for awashing solution and electrically-controlled inlet and drain level, anelectrical control valves for said container, means for supplying soapmaterial to the container to form therein a suds above the liquid level,an electrical control circuit therefor including two switches in serieswith each other, a cyclic motor-driven timer switch for the valves andmotor including cam means for: closing one of said two switches fora'short period at the beginning of the cycle of the machine and thenopening it for the remainder of said cycle, the second of said twoswitches normally being closed, means for direct-' ing light into thecontainer, a light-sensitive cell exposed to light reflected from saidsuds, and an electrical circuit containing and controlled by said celland containing means for opening said second switch when the correctamount of soap material has been introduced.

KENDALLCLARK.

- intent No. 2,218,696.

cam-mum or commoner.

October 22, 191 .0.

KENDALL A CLARK.

It is hereby certified that errorappears in the printed specification'0: the above numbered patent requiring correction as followaz. Page 3,sec- 0nd column, lines 2;, ho, and 7, claims 9, 10, and 11 reepectivelybefore the word "means" insert --the combination of; line: 28 and 62,claims 9 and 11 respectively, strike out- "and. motor"; line 39, claim10, for "electrically controlled. and." read --and electricallycontrolled-; line 50, same claim 10, etrike out "the" second occurrence;and that the said Letters Patent should. be read with thls correctiontherein that the same may confom to the record of the case in the PatentOffice.

- Signed-and sealed this 18th day or March, A. 1). 191a.

Henry Val; Arsd'ale,

(Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

